Rare Rainy Rose Parade Begins in Pasadena After Decades

Pasadena witnessed a historic occurrence this New Year’s Day as the 137th Rose Parade unfolded under steady rain. This marked the first time in two decades that the parade was held in wet conditions, making it only the 11th rainy Rose Parade since its inception in 1890.

Rainy Conditions Impacting the Parade

The parade commenced at 8 a.m. on Colorado Boulevard. Local weather reports indicated that eastern Pasadena had already received 1.12 inches of rain within the past two days, while Downtown Los Angeles recorded 0.94 inches. Meteorologists anticipated that the rain, which might include thunderstorms, would persist throughout the morning.

Fans Brave the Weather

• Michael Brooks, a 41-year-old resident of Monterey Park, expressed enthusiasm for his first Rose Parade experience, stating, “I was not going to miss this opportunity.”
• Others, such as Roni Jones and her mother, Cheryl Conley, remembered the last rainy parade in 2006 fondly, saying, “People come together and make it happen.”

The vibrant community atmosphere persisted, despite the challenges posed by the rain. Many hardcore fans camped overnight, showcasing their dedication to the event.

Preparedness and Safety Measures

Lisa Derderian, a city spokeswoman, noted that parade organizers had implemented extensive safety measures. They had trained for various weather scenarios and were prepared with onsite personnel and communication systems to ensure the safety of attendees. This year also saw the introduction of a live stream on TikTok, aimed at engaging younger audiences.

Historical Context

Typically, the Los Angeles area remains dry on New Year’s Day, with rainfall occurring only 10% of the time between 1878 and 2025. The last time rain impacted the Rose Parade was in 2006, making this event particularly notable.

Community Spirit and Support

The parade serves not only as entertainment but as a glimpse into the local community’s resilience. Following the devastating Eaton fire in 2025, the Tournament of Roses provided over 1,000 free grandstand tickets to fire victims.

As the festivities continued, local entrepreneurs took advantage of the crowds. A group from the San Fernando Valley offered warm tamales for sale, drawing in hungry spectators undeterred by the weather.

Parade Details

The parade, lasting approximately two hours, began on Orange Grove Boulevard, making its way east onto Colorado Boulevard before concluding at Sierra Madre Boulevard. The theme for this year’s festivities was “The Magic in Teamwork,” with Earvin “Magic” Johnson serving as the parade marshal.

Despite the challenging weather, the spirit of the Rose Parade remained intact, showcasing the resilience and community pride of Pasadena residents.